Can Orthodontics Fix Facial Asymmetry? It May Be Even More Effective for Teenagers!

When consulting with patients, I often get asked, “Can orthodontics improve asymmetry?”

Asymmetry is something many people worry about.

If your lower jaw shifts to one side when chewing, or your smile feels awkward when you laugh, you may want to suspect asymmetry.

Can facial asymmetry or an asymmetrical smile like this be improved with orthodontic treatment?

Today, let’s take a closer look at this issue.

*What causes facial asymmetry?

Asymmetry can be broadly divided into two causes. One is a problem caused by the incorrect bite of the upper and lower teeth. The other is a skeletal issue that you are born with.

1. Asymmetry caused by the bite of the upper and lower teeth

This is when the upper and lower teeth (front teeth or molars) do not fit together properly, causing the jaw to shift to one side, left or right.

Normally, the upper molars should overlap the lower molars when biting, but sometimes the opposite happens, with the lower molars overlapping the upper molars.

It is even worse when this happens on only one side.

In such cases, the lower jaw is pulled to one side while chewing, and as a result, the face gradually becomes more crooked.

The same applies to the front teeth. If the upper front teeth do not overlap the lower front teeth and the lower front teeth partially or fully cover the upper front teeth, the lower jaw will also be pulled to one side. That is how asymmetry develops.

(Teeth alignment is uneven, and the left and right jaw lengths are almost the same)

(Teeth alignment is uneven, and the left and right jaw lengths are almost the same)

2. Asymmetry caused by a congenital skeletal issue: Sometimes, from birth, the left and right sides of the lower jawbone grow at different rates.

This is often congenital, and in some cases it can also develop as the jawbone grows more on one side during the growth process.

A common example is when a young child or baby falls and strongly hits the tip of the lower jaw. In such cases, the impact is applied to the center of the left or right temporomandibular joint, and from that point on, the growth rate of the lower jaw differs between the left and right sides, making the asymmetry worse.

(Teeth alignment is relatively even, but the left and right jaw lengths are different)

(Teeth alignment is relatively even, but the left and right jaw lengths are different)

It is important to distinguish which of these two causes is responsible, and an orthodontic clinic can identify the cause of the asymmetry through an oral examination and X-ray examination.

Of the two cases, facial asymmetry can be improved with orthodontic treatment in the first case.

In the first case, problems with the bite can be resolved with orthodontics, and if they are corrected, a significant improvement in facial asymmetry can be expected through orthodontic treatment. Especially when treatment is started at a young age, the effect is better.

If orthodontic treatment is started while the jaw is still growing, such as in elementary school or middle school students, the bite can be corrected more quickly, and the growth of the jaw can be balanced while guiding jaw movement more symmetrically.

This helps correct the growth direction and prevent asymmetrical growth that may occur later.

The second case is asymmetry caused by a skeletal problem. In this case, it is difficult to improve with orthodontic treatment.

The teeth of these patients are relatively even, and the problem is not a bite issue caused by crooked teeth. Therefore, the asymmetry is not caused by the lower jaw shifting to one side, but entirely by the length of the jaw, so orthodontic treatment is not effective.

These patients need double jaw surgery for improvement. The longer side of the jaw must be shortened through double jaw surgery. However, double jaw surgery is a major operation and can only be performed after growth is complete, so it is best to postpone orthodontic treatment for now and consult an orthodontist and a surgeon around the time of high school graduation, when growth is complete.

*When should orthodontic treatment begin?

Teenagers and adults who fall into the first case should actively consider orthodontic treatment. In particular, the key point for improving asymmetry in such cases is the timing of treatment.

Starting orthodontic treatment at a young age is most effective. Orthodontic treatment during elementary school or middle school can lead to better results than in adulthood.

In adults, improvement is still possible with orthodontic treatment, but the effect may be less than during the growth period, so you should receive a consultation for more details.

*Conclusion

If the asymmetry is caused by a bite problem, orthodontic treatment alone can create a noticeable change. But if it is a skeletal problem, you should seek guidance toward double jaw surgery through consultation with a specialist.

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